Canon Fronsac
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Three superimposed Tertiary formations: molasses du Fronsadais, calcaire de Castillon (wooded escarpment), and calcaire à Astéries (plateau). (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Hillside soils: calcareous brown soils on molassic slopes; clay-limestone or clay-sandy soils on the calcaire à Astéries plateau.
- Steep slopes and the proximity of the Dordogne and Isle rivers protect the vines from frost; the tertre de Canon, rising to 61 m, overlooks the valley.
Human factors
- In the late 18th century, Libournais merchants transformed the vineyard by introducing selected grape varieties and practising wine ageing.
- The AOC, recognised in 1939 as 'Côtes Canon Fronsac', was renamed 'Canon-Fronsac' in 1964.
Product characteristics
- Deep red colour (purple to ruby); nose of red fruits (blackberry, cherry, blackcurrant), evolving toward truffle, game, or spice depending on the soils.
- Malbec contributes tannic breadth and aromas of small black fruits and liquorice; Cabernet Franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon add freshness, structure, and ageing potential.
Terroir / wine link
- The limestone plateaux (permeable) and molassic slopes (gradient) allow for good soil drainage, a condition used to delimit the eligible plots.
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF), JORF 12 décembre 2024
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — Syndicat Viticole de Fronsac